News - May 2025

Will rice acres turn to soybean acres?

CARLISLE, Ark. — Will some of Arkansas’ anticipated rice acres drift toward soybeans?

Pulaski County Extension collaborates with Potluck Food Rescue, LRSD for No Cost Market program

LITTLE ROCK — The Cooperative Extension Service is working to ensure families in the Little Rock School District not only have enough to eat — but that they also have access to fresh produce they might otherwise skip.

June 12 Farmers for the Future benefit to provide ‘seed money’ for local small farms

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A June 12 fundraiser featuring food by Atlas restaurant chef and owner Elliot Hunt, beverages by Sommelier Aleks Berry, and live music by Buddy Shute & the Motivators, will provide seed money and other financial support for local small farms.

Optimizing rice mill lab analysis can improve yield, consumer qualities

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Before it gets to your table in a steaming dish, rice has to go through the mill.

In stops and starts, Arkansas rice planting advances

LITTLE ROCK — Every growing season brings its own unique challenges to Arkansas farmers, and the spring of 2025 is no exception.

Agritourism and Accessibility: NALC webinar will explore Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for farm operators

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — There are a lot of factors for agritourism operators to consider when operating hayrides, pumpkin patches, campsites, orchards and more — with a big one being accessibility for visitors.

Aid for economic, weather-related disaster assistance pauses two-year slide in Arkansas net farm income

LITTLE ROCK — A two-year decline in Arkansas’ net farm income has been interrupted, but not because farming has suddenly become profitable, said Hunter Biram, extension economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Fed chair cites uncertainty, keeps interest rates as-is — for now

LITTLE ROCK — In keeping interests rates as-is in May, the Federal Open Market Committee is walking a tightrope in trying to cool a still-hot economy while still trying to maintain a strong dollar, said Ryan Loy, extension economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Little Rock teen’s diesel fuel project  wins 2025 Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge

LITTLE ROCK — A teen’s project testing soy-derived fuel in what he hopes will be a go-kart diesel engine, took first place at  the 2025 Soybean Science Challenge at the Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair.

Stone County 4-H members head to national competition that focuses on wildlife, hones habitat management skills

PARON, Ark. — A team from Stone County will be heading to Crossville, Tennessee, to compete in the National Wildlife Habitat Education Contest on July 28-31.

Production economist aims to boost farm efficiency amid evolving technology, weather risk

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Informing and incentivizing optimal farm management decisions fuel the research of production economist Kristiina Ala-Kokko — and she looks forward to zeroing in on the Arkansas rice industry come this fall. 

Foreign ownership, pesticides and Prop 12: National Ag Law Center attorneys to provide ag law update during Mid-South online bonus session

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A wave of legal developments — from foreign ownership of agricultural land to animal confinement laws and pesticide legislation — is shaping agriculture, and the Mid-South conference’s online “Early Bird” program will offer insight into these key issues.

McPeake remembered: ‘She was able to do what she loved for the people she loved’

LITTLE ROCK — Becky McPeake “was able to do what she loved for the people she loved.”

Southern Arkansas University, Arkansas Public Policy Center launch fellowship

MAGNOLIA, Ark. — La’Nyce Hemphill has set her sights high: Changing the way Arkansans view policymaking and their role as citizens.

Percentage of choice-graded beef grows thanks to better genes, feedlot tech

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Headed into grilling season, consumers have a better grade of beef to choose from as the percentage of beef earning a “choice” grade has increased from about 50 percent in the early 2000s to about 75 percent today.

SIDEBAR: Fat means flavor when it comes to beef

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — When it comes to beef, fat makes for better flavor. 

Communicating with government agencies: Session at Western conference details ethical considerations

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Effective communication with government agencies is crucial for agricultural stakeholders — but those interactions come with ethical obligations.

As floodwaters recede, Arkansas soybean planting moves ahead

LITTLE ROCK — As flood waters have receded over the past three weeks, Arkansas growers have made successful inroads toward timely planting of soybeans and other crops. 

Arkansas 4-H Poultry Chain Project delivers the chicks

LONOKE, Ark. — Though fair season is still months away, the poultry competition officially began April 24 when more than 2,000 Arkansas 4-H members from 68 counties in Arkansas received their chicks as part of the 4-H Poultry Chain project.